Sustainable Living Guide

SuStainability at appalachian

SuStainability at appalachian

Appalachian University has a major impact on our environment, our local economy, and the health of our community.

The sustainable lifestyle depicted here is not a suggestion, it represents who we are. Together we can make a difference!

The daily choices you make matter. From personal wellness to citizenship, water savings to energy usage, your choices help build a responsible community.

be Wellyour perSonal SuStainability iS aS important aS the environment

get a checkup

Preventative care is a healthy habit. Visit the on-campus health center or your local physician for regular checkups to make sure your body stays healthy.

university recreation

UREC is a great way to get involved and get moving. It offers active choices from a climbing wall, to adventure trips, to group fitness. Take advantage of UREC.

quit smoking

Yes, it’s bad for you. Respect yourself, others, and the environment. Think of the money you will save.

take care of yourself

Listen to your body and mind. You must have water, nourishment and sleep, but make “me” time, too. Relax, reflect and be mindful of your life choices.

a beautiful mind

A healthy outlook is vital to your overall well- being. Appalachian’s mental health ambassadors work to remove the stigma associated with mental health and to make mental health issues part of campus discussion. Apply to be an ambassador or learn more online.

drink more water

The healthiest thing you can drink is water. Keep your water bottle filled so you can feel refreshed and hydrated all day.

be responsible

Be aware of your actions and your limits. Friends look after friends. Your actions impact others. Be smart, be safe, and check out It’s Up To Me.

think about your Foodyour dietary choiceS aFFect your liFe

read the ingredients

Labels on food can be misleading. Read the ingredients listed abd choose unprocessed foods or foods with the fewest ingredients.

eat seasonally

Eating produce in season increases the chance your food was grown locally. In the summer, eat veggies and summer fruits; roots, hearty greens, and apples in the fall. Even locally sourced milk and eggs are more abundant certain times of the year.

fair trade

Where your food comes from matters. Know who you support with your purchases. Your dollars can do good things.

learn to cook

With just basic kitchen knowledge, sustainable food choices are easier to make. Cooking your favorite foods using local ingredients can make a real difference in how well you eat and how much you spend.

eat local

Seek out fresh produce and products grown in the region by attending local farmers’ markets. You’ll be enjoying a healthier diet and supporting your community growers.

consume less meat

Studies show that diets higher in fruits and vegetables reduce can-cer and heart disease. Too, by limiting meat consumption, you can decrease the grain, energy and water used for production.

control your portions

Less is more. Learn to control portions. Your waistline and your wallet will thank you.

conServe clean Waterall the Water that Will ever be iS right noW

use a water bottle

Start by buying a resuable water bottle; it will save you money and keep plastic bottles out of the landfill. Filtered water filling stations are available across campus.

fix the leak

Don’t be a drip. Fix leaks immediately. Twenty drips a minute wastes a gallon of water a day. (Not to mention driving you nuts.)

turn it off

When you are washing dishes, your hands or brushing your teeth, turn off the water between rinses.

wash full loads

Be sure your dish- or clothes washer is full before you run it. Use cold water instead of hot. Consider sharing a load of laundry with a friend — they can help you fold.

save in the shower

Who needs a thirty minute shower? Really? Set a five-minute timer or listen to just two of your favorite songs. You’ll have plenty of time to get squeaky clean.Go a step farther and brush your teeth while you’re in there.

don’t flush meds

Flushing medications contaminates the water supply. Learn about Operation Medicine Cabinet and how they can help dispose of medicines.

keep streams clean

Even the smallest pond or stream supports a local ecosystem. Keep pets on leashes, watch your use of pesticides, soaps and chemicals. And remember, litter here can end up in our oceans. What to do? Adopt a Stream!

be energy SavvyconSider hoW to beSt conServe

unplug it

Did you know most plugged-in devices draw electricity even when turned off? Use a power strip and unplug when not in use.

use your windows

Live off campus? Open or close windows to adjust temperature or regulate air flow. Close curtains to warm a room and open them for light.

charge wisely

Most electronics take only minutes or a few hours to charge, not all night. Charge devices only when they need a boost.

let it sleep

Screen savers don’t save energy so program your computers to sleep. Just that little step can save up to 70 percent of the energy used. Let it sleep — or turn it off.

choose efficiency

Quality counts. Buy and use products that are energy efficient. For example, use LED bulbs or energy Star®- certified projects. The extra cost will always save you money in the long run.

chill

The fridge is a huge energy guzzler. Place it in a cool spot; don’t set temps too cold, clean the coils monthly, and keep it full. And, hey, close that door!

temper, temper

Set thermostats to 68º in the winter and 72º in the summer. Adjustments of just a few degrees can save a lot of energy. Layer up or layer down. You’re easier to adjust than the heat.

think beFore you goSo many WayS to get From here to there

hop on the bus

appalcart is free. Transit service is provided throughout campus and the Boone community. In addition, low-fare van service to other towns within Watauga County.

use the stairs

If for no other reason, use the stairs to work those legs and lungs. Elevators are energy gobblers, too, so think before you push UP. It’s eco- and heart-smart.

drive smarter

Take your time and drive the speed limit. You’ll save gas, create fewer emissions and be safer. Relax, be courteous, and enjoy the drive.

share the ride

Zimride is your ride sharing resource. Match up with others going where and when you need to go. This web-based resource will amaze you, save you money, and make you new friends.

human power

Move your legs and arrive in style. Walking, biking, even unicycling will get you there — sometimes as quickly than a car or bus, without the fuss.

heading home

Find out about regional public transportation options from ncdot.

think about your Foodyour dietary choiceS aFFect your liFe

read the ingredients

Labels on food are often misleading. It’s best to read the ingredients list-ed on packaged foods and, whenever possible, chose food with the fewest ingredients.

eat local

Whenever possible, eat foods grown locally. Seek out fresh produce and products grown in the region. This helps maintain a healthy diet while supporting your community.

control your portionsMore is not always bet-ter. Learn to control your portions. Your waistline and your wallet will thank you.

fair trade?

Where does your food come from? Who are you supporting? Get to know who produces the items you’re buying and how. Your dollars can do good things.

learn to cook

With just a basic knowl-edge of cooking, sus-tainable food choices become easier to make. Learning to cook your favorite foods using local ingredients can make a real difference in the types of food you consume.

consume less meat

Studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and process meat con-sumption are associated with colon cancer.

eat seasonally

When you eat pro-duce that is in season, there is an increased chance that your food was grown locally. In the summer, eat salad vegetables and summer fruits. Eat root vegeta-bles, hearty greens, and apples in the fall. Even milk and eggs are more abundant certain times of the year.

be good in your neighborhoodcommunity citiZenShip iS up to you

it’s up to you

Appalachian Cares is an amazing source for information on matters of student health and safety. Find resources for help when you are concerned about a friend or are yourself feeling uncomfortable for any reason.Text “appcares” to 50555 to easily bookmark these resources on your mobile device: crime report, health services, safe ride, counseling center, recovery ser-vices, OAISIS, sexual assault hotline, and suicide prevention. Know how to help yourself and others.

be in the know

Stay informed about things that matter to you. Whether local or global, the next 5K or the next election, find a good source for reliable news and use it.

r-e-s-p-e-c-t

Always respect your neighbors and the people who live around you. Pay attention to noise ordinances and recognize others may have different lifestyles than you. Be mindful of other people’s property, especially when parking, driving, biking or walk-ing your dog.

kindness is contagious

It’s simple: be good to one another.

engage

Volunteering is a way to get connected with your community. Appalachian has a diverse range of volunteer opportunites both on and off campus Participate.You’ll meet new people and feel good at the end of the day.

uSe leSS StuFFWhat We Want and What We need are not the Same

pass it on

Have items someone else could use? Bring your unwanted clothes, furniture, electronics to a local thrift store or set up a swap meet with your friends.

clean with green

Clean with products that are designed to be sensitive to the enivronment. These decisions lead to better water and indor air quality for yourself and others.

share

Before you buy it, see if someone has one to borrow.

you don’t need it

When it comes to all the stuff in your life, ask yourself: do I really need it? Can I get by without it? Chances are you don’t and you can.

shop local

Support your local businesses and farmers. Spending your money in the community helps strengthen the local economies and savesresources. Local products are oftenhigher quality and you’ll make lasting friendshipsalong the way.

purchase quality

Buy quality items that last! A cheap pair of shoes or small appliance is not cheaper if you have to replace it every year.

consume less

Be intentional about what you consume, especially paper and prepackaged foods. Pay attention to the items and resources you use unconsciously everyday: napkins, condiments, cups, and bags.

think about your Foodyour dietary choiceS aFFect your liFe

read the ingredients

Labels on food are often misleading. It’s best to read the ingredients list-ed on packaged foods and, whenever possible, chose food with the fewest ingredients.

eat local

Whenever possible, eat foods grown locally. Seek out fresh produce and products grown in the region. This helps maintain a healthy diet while supporting your community.

control your portionsMore is not always bet-ter. Learn to control your portions. Your waistline and your wallet will thank you.

fair trade?

Where does your food come from? Who are you supporting? Get to know who produces the items you’re buying and how. Your dollars can do good things.

learn to cook

With just a basic knowl-edge of cooking, sus-tainable food choices become easier to make. Learning to cook your favorite foods using local ingredients can make a real difference in the types of food you consume.

consume less meat

Studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and process meat con-sumption are associated with colon cancer.

eat seasonally

When you eat pro-duce that is in season, there is an increased chance that your food was grown locally. In the summer, eat salad vegetables and summer fruits. Eat root vegeta-bles, hearty greens, and apples in the fall. Even milk and eggs are more abundant certain times of the year.

WaSte notuSe it again, or maybe not at all

litter is for kitties

Our campus is our home. Do not litter and pick up what you see.

recycle / compost

Think before you trash it. Eighty-eight percent of our university’s current waste stream can be composted or recycled. Bins are located everywhere. Learn what can be re-cycled and composted.

bring your bags

A reuseable, stowable bag will eliminate waste wherever you go — the cafeteria, grocery, bookstore. Keep one handy all the time.

refill your cup

Bring your reusable cup or mug. Many places, including Food Services, offer discounts for those who do. Plus, you’ll keep paper, foam, and plastic cups out of our overburdened landfills.

buy in bulk

Buying in bulk saves money and resources. You can limit the waste associated with product packaging. And bulk items are often higher quality and lower cost.

go paperless

Share information and turn in assignments digitially. Challange your club, your class and your friends to go paperless. If you must print, save money by printing on both sides.

SuStain and Savebeing green on a budget

affordability

The biggest myth around sustainability is “I can’t afford it.” Take a minute to set personal goals of living more sustainably and you’ll save money, too.

sustainability audit

Do a sustainability audit. Ask yourself: How can I reduce my consumption? How far do I drive every day? How much gas do I use? How often do I print unnecessarily? How often do I eat out? How long are my showers?

testimonials

Check out and learn from these savings testimonials from fellow Appalachian students’ personal sustainability audits.

“I cut fuel consumption in half (saving over $200 per month) by setting specific goals related to driving less — walking to campus, taking the AppalCart, car-pooling when I could.”

“I gave up eating out so often! By trying to eat at home more, I saved at least $20 per week.“

“I unplugged my appliances and electronics when I wasn’t using them, insulated my windows and lowered the thermostat. My electricity use dropped fifty percent.”

I’m a huge coffee drinker. I saved almost $0.80 per cup (about $50 per month) by using refillable filter cups for my Keurig. And I decreased my trash! A month’s worth of used K-cup packs can fill up one kitchen-sized trash bag!”

think about your Foodyour dietary choiceS aFFect your liFe

read the ingredients

Labels on food are often misleading. It’s best to read the ingredients list-ed on packaged foods and, whenever possible, chose food with the fewest ingredients.

eat local

Whenever possible, eat foods grown locally. Seek out fresh produce and products grown in the region. This helps maintain a healthy diet while supporting your community.

control your portionsMore is not always bet-ter. Learn to control your portions. Your waistline and your wallet will thank you.

fair trade?

Where does your food come from? Who are you supporting? Get to know who produces the items you’re buying and how. Your dollars can do good things.

learn to cook

With just a basic knowl-edge of cooking, sus-tainable food choices become easier to make. Learning to cook your favorite foods using local ingredients can make a real difference in the types of food you consume.

consume less meat

Studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and process meat con-sumption are associated with colon cancer.

eat seasonally

When you eat pro-duce that is in season, there is an increased chance that your food was grown locally. In the summer, eat salad vegetables and summer fruits. Eat root vegeta-bles, hearty greens, and apples in the fall. Even milk and eggs are more abundant certain times of the year.

by the numberShoW SuStainability helpS appalachian

zero waste stadium

The zero waste stadium initiative, netted a 74 percent waste diversion in 2014. Partnering with the Physical Plant and Athletics, the Office of Sustainability removed all traditional trashcans from throughout the stadium concourse and replaced them with 15 zero waste zones, each overseen by student staff, for recycling and collection of compost.

water usage

The university’s water usage dropped by 49 percent per student between the 2007- 8 and 2013 -14 school years. Go App!

in the classroom

In academic year 2014-15, 1704 courses, or 1/3 of the courses offered, included sustainability in the curriculum. Of those, 203 undergrad-uate and 90 graduate courses were specifically sustainability focused.

number one

Appalachian leads the state in most diverse renewable energy systems portfolio.

staying local

Ten percent of all food offered in our dining facilities is locally grown.

purchasing power

Appalachian food services spent $619,817 on local purchases in 2014, an increase of $73,723 over 2013.

switch it offAppalachian reported $3.25 million in avoided utility costs during the 2013-14 school year.

research

In academic year 2014-15, 128 of tenure-track faculty were engaged in sustainability research.

lead and engage

We all share the opportunity and responsibility to make Appalachian, Boone, and our world a better place. Beyond mindful and sustainable living practices, we encourage you to get involved in our community, become a leader, and a truly engaged Appalachian citizen.

Below is a sampling of the many organizations and opportunities that exist for you to make an even bigger difference.

Appalachian VoicesBlue Ridge Conservancy

Blue Ridge Women in AgricultureBoone Area Chamber of Commerce

Boone Area CyclistsBoone Community Network

Elkland Art CenterHigh Country Local First

Lettuce Learn ProjectNew River ConservancySustainability Task Force

Watauga County: Cooperative ExtensionWatauga County Farmers Market

Watauga Riverkeeper

lead and engage

Take the pledge

Future generations can live, work and meet their needs, only if our generation is conscious of all we do and the effects of all we do. Sustainability crosses all areas of life, from the natural environment to urban planning to health care and economics.

I want to live in a sustainable community.

I pledge to use the Sustainable Living Guide as a benchmark of sustainable practices and a reminder to remain conscious of the fact that how I live now will affect future generations.

Sign the Sustainable Living Pledge online at sustain.appstate.edu/sustainabilityguide